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| In response to rising fuel prices, Malacañang announced on Friday, March 11, the release of a P2.5 billion fuel subsidy to PUV drivers, farmers, and fisherfolks. |
Malacañang announced on Friday, March 11, the release of a fuel subsidy to the Department of Transportation for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the face of rising fuel prices.
"We are pleased to announce that the Department of Budget and Management has released the first tranche of 2.5 billion pesos of fuel subsidy for our public utility vehicle drivers," Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Acting Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Michel Kristian Ablan said in a news briefing, adding that another 500 million pesos have been released to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In addition, Usec. Ablan stated that a second tranche will be released in April 2022.
According to Rolando Toledo, Undersecretary of Budget and Management (DBM) and DBM Spokesperson, 377,443 beneficiaries of the DOTr's Fuel Subsidy Program will receive P6,500.00.
Affected jeepney drivers are not the only ones who benefit; drivers of UV Express, bus shuttle services, minibuses, taxis, transport network vehicle service (TNVS), tricycles, motorcycle taxis, and delivery services are also among those who benefit.
Beneficiaries may obtain financial assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines through cash cards.
The budget official emphasized that the DA's fuel discount program is intended to assist farmers and fishermen who will benefit from the agriculture department's 30 percent discount from oil companies.
"The beneficiary is eligible for a maximum discount of P3,000. So the money will come from the Development Bank of the Philippines," Usec. Toledo explained. —Tacloban News Update (Source: OPS)